Gujarat’s hope flies high with kites

Vibrant Gujarat reached new heights on Monday as Uttarayan-2004 was inaugurated by Governor Kailashpati Mishra in the presence of Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

The two-day affair has set the stage for 66 international kite flyers from 18 countries and 25 kite flyers from India to show off their skills at Police Stadium in Shahibaug. The beginning also set the tone for Vishwa Gujarati Parivar Mahotsav, a conference of non-resident Gujaratis, which will be held at Gujarat University ground, where Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee will be present.

The presence of garba queen Falguni Pathak, actress Juhi Chawla and the team of popular teleserial Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi added a dash of glamour to the inauguration ceremony. The function was largely attended by schoolchildren, few NRGs and an eight-member group from Fiji led by George Shivraj, a minister in the Fiji Government.

The presence of former cricketers Kiran More, Nayan Mongia and Anshuman Gaikwad was an added attraction. ‘‘Cricketers feel that a stadium can be filled only when there is a game of cricket, but Gujaratis have shown that even kite-flying can ensure a full house,’’ Modi said.

He added: ‘‘Just as kites fly upwards, the state will continue to scale new heights in development and it is through this medium that Gujarat is displaying its potential to the world.’’

Talking about the pech (cutting the kite of the opponent), he said ‘‘it has been patented by Gujaratis. We Gujaratis now want to make this pech known to the international community.’’

Governor Mishra said: ‘‘I have never seen such a festival. This is the first time that I have seen such large number of international people gathered to fly kites.’’

The Fiji minister said he had brought the message of peace from his country. ‘‘We feel proud to call ourselves Indians. This is our motherland. Even today we feel proud and preserve our cultural traditions in Fiji,’’ he said.

S.N. Ruia, Chairman of Essar, who were the sponsors, said: ‘‘Gujarat is back in the development mode after successfully overcoming the many difficulties.’’